No. 21 LSU Picks Up 9-1 Win Over Central Arkansas

Tigers tally 10th run-rule victory of the season

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:37am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a softball game, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant shades of purple, gold, orange, and blue, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.LSU's offensive explosion against Central Arkansas showcases the Tigers' ability to dominate opponents and sets the stage for a crucial matchup with a ranked foe.Baton Rouge Today

No. 21/18 LSU defeated Central Arkansas 9-1 in six innings on Tuesday night at Tiger Park. The Tigers improve to 26-13 on the season, while Central Arkansas falls to 25-16. LSU pitcher Tatum Clopton earned the win, striking out a season-high seven batters over 4.1 innings. The Tigers finished with 11 hits, including home runs from Rylie Johnson and Sierra Daniel.

Why it matters

This win extends LSU's winning streak against Central Arkansas to six games. The Tigers have now tallied 10 run-rule victories this season, showcasing their offensive firepower and ability to dominate opponents. As LSU prepares to face No. 12/11 Arizona in a three-game series, this decisive victory over Central Arkansas demonstrates the team's strong form heading into a crucial matchup.

The details

LSU jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Alix Franklin and a two-RBI double from Maci Bergeron. Central Arkansas responded with a solo home run from Kaitlyn Graham in the second inning, but Clopton settled in and retired five of the next six batters. In the fourth inning, Rylie Johnson hit a home run, and Sierra Daniel drove in another run with a double to extend LSU's lead to 5-1. The Tigers then closed out the game in the sixth inning, scoring four runs on five hits, including a two-run home run from Daniel and a two-RBI double from Tori Edwards.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night, April 8, 2026, at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
  • LSU improves to 26-13 on the season, while Central Arkansas falls to 25-16.

The players

Tatum Clopton

LSU pitcher who earned the win, striking out a season-high seven batters over 4.1 innings.

Maci Bergeron

LSU player who went 3-for-4 with a career-high three RBI.

Sierra Daniel

LSU player who hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBI.

Rylie Johnson

LSU player who hit a home run in the game, her second of the season.

Bailie Runner

Central Arkansas pitcher who took the loss, yielding six hits, five runs, and three walks over 4.0 innings.

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What they’re saying

“Caught lookin' for a season-high seventh K of the night 👀”

— LSU Softball

What’s next

LSU will gear up for a three-game series at Tiger Park against No. 12/11 Arizona on April 10-12.

The takeaway

This decisive victory over Central Arkansas demonstrates LSU's offensive firepower and ability to dominate opponents, as the Tigers have now tallied 10 run-rule victories this season. As LSU prepares to face a ranked opponent in Arizona, this win showcases the team's strong form and sets the stage for a crucial matchup.